Best Used Ranger

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

You know how a lot of folks will say that the older curado reels are the best? Well, which ranger boat do you think falls into that category?

You can go back to 1992 or so also. Don't say the newest rangers because of course they will be the best. But there must be that one year, that one model that people will always say that was one of rangers best boats.

I'd like to see about a used ranger and if I can reduce my search efforts to "the one" that would be terrific. Any and all thoughts are welcomed.

[tbone1993]

The best ranger is a fully paid for ranger IMO. I would much rather have a boat thats paid in full than having to pay off a boat. Honestly I would like something in the 2008 range period because the electronics would be decent enough to deal with until I could upgrade them. I would also make sure that the parts for said boat were readily available. Try finding parts for a 1979 ranger inboard. But on a serious note want a 1979 ranger inboard for $1000? 

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

The best ranger is a fully paid for ranger IMO. I would much rather have a boat thats paid in full than having to pay off a boat. Honestly I would like something in the 2008 range period because the electronics would be decent enough to deal with until I could upgrade them. I would also make sure that the parts for said boat were readily available. Try finding parts for a 1979 ranger inboard. But on a serious note want a 1979 ranger inboard for $1000?

Lol! Yeah that's a little older than I'm lookin for but I hear you on having a paid off boat. Honestly I don't even want to get one until my car and bills are paid off which will be next year if I can be disciplined with the toy buying

But wanna start looking now so I can make a fairly educated decision.

[wnybassman]

If it was well maintained, I don't think there was a bad year.

[tritonguy]

Ranger hasn't built a bad hull for years if ever.  Now outboards are a whole different story.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Ranger hasn't built a bad hull for years if ever. Now outboards are a whole different story.

So the hull design has never really changed? I know they changed how the transom blended with the boat instead of just a jack plate on a flat back. What year did they do that? And what year did they start using a recessed foot mount for the trolling motor?

[tritonguy]

The hulls that had a built in set back started with the 400 series 461, 462, 481, 482 and so on.  I would say somewhere around 1994-5.  There have been very few dramatic hull changes from Ranger in the last 10 years or longer.  They have changed the top caps quite often to ad more features.  Take for instance a Z520 and Z520c, the hulls are the same but as the C indicates the Z520c has a new design top cap.  As for a recessed trolling motor tray that was an option through the mid 2000's.  I had a 2004 188DVX that had one but it was an option when I bought it.  I have a 2013 Z521 ordered and they are standard now but I'm not sure on the year they made them standard.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

The hulls that had a built in set back started with the 400 series 461, 462, 481, 482 and so on. I would say somewhere around 1994-5. There have been very few dramatic hull changes from Ranger in the last 10 years or longer. They have changed the top caps quite often to ad more features. Take for instance a Z520 and Z520c, the hulls are the same but as the C indicates the Z520c has a new design top cap. As for a recessed trolling motor tray that was an option through the mid 2000's. I had a 2004 188DVX that had one but it was an option when I bought it. I have a 2013 Z521 ordered and they are standard now but I'm not sure on the year they made them standard.

Thanks. I'm kinds feeling I should be looking around 2003-2005?? Honestly, I'm not really looking for all the bells and whistles. Just want a recessed foot tray and a good livewell. I can always buy new electronics. Oh and I'd prefer the motor size at 150. Most of the lakes in NY have a speed limit anyway.

[tritonguy]

The 185 series was a good hull and rode great for a 18 foot boat.  A recessed trolling motor tray can be installed aftermarket, I put one on a Champion boat in less than an hour. 

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

The 185 series was a good hull and rode great for a 18 foot boat. A recessed trolling motor tray can be installed aftermarket, I put one on a Champion boat in less than an hour.

Oh good! That solves that then (aftermarket recessed tray) I can start looking at older boats now lol!

I'll have to look that boat model up. Thank you

[Crappiebasser]

IMO anything with a fiberglass transom is a good one. I think they started glass transoms in 1989. If you can find a 300 series that has been repowered with an EFI motor you would have a great boat.

[backwater4]

1997 461VS. Bought it new, still looks like new, except for the seats and still love the boat. I've had it on Ontario and Sodus a number of times, really like Sodus. It's a haul from Long Island though. 

[BuckMaxx]

I have a 92 Ranger 482v that is in very good shape. Hydralic jack plate, rebuilt 150 merc, hotfoot. I can push it to about 65-66 and it rides great. I agree a paid for boat is very very nice. There are nicer ones but mine catches fish just the same. It's amazing what some of the old 350 series boats are STILL going for $6-10,000!My advice is buy a decent boat mid 90's and spend the rest of your money on upgrade electronics and set it up the way you want to fish.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Backwater and buckmax my buddy has a 1992 481. What year did that model style end? It's a nice boat, I've fished out of it a lot.

I saw a red 92 481 for $9200 on boat trader. Is that a good deal assuming no major problems?

[backwater4]

I think that's a little high, but if in great shape its a great boat. I'm pretty sure those models were renamed and tweaked around 1999, 2000. Lots of room and a good ride for a 19 foot boat. A 150 or 175 pushes them pretty good.

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

[wnybassman]

I have a '98 481VS with a 150 Johnson Fast Strike.        No complaints.     Seats are really showing their age now though.

[MarkH024]

'01 R73 with an Evinrude Ficht 115.  Boat runs like a champ and is smooth as silk on the water.  It's a little on the small side to be honest but will fish two guys no problem. I love it simply because I fish a lot of smaller bodies of water.  One day I'll upgrade to a bigger boat.

 

 

[Sodus Bay Scooter]

What's the difference between the 481 series and the R series?

[Traveler2586]

Back in 09 I lucked out and found a 2003 Ranger 185DVS with a 150 L EFI Merc.  When I got the boat home I crawled over every inch of it, and then turned it over to a certified Merc mechanic for a complete test.  The Ranger was solid as a rock and the Merc was properly maintained and good to go as is.  Between the original owner & I, we got ten years service out of the boat cover and cranking battery, that's not bad in anyone's book.

 

IMHO, anyone owning a Ranger has a tendency to take care of them and therefore it's a sound investment.  But, with that said, the buyer must do their homework and very carefully inspect boat, motor, & trailer before going forward.

 

I've been told Rangers are the Cadillac of Bass boats and the ride shows it.

[scrutch]

I saved some money and bought an older (1999 Cobra) bass boat that was meticulously taken care of. As the second owner I have put more money into electronics and upgrades than I paid for the boat. That is the benefit to buying an older boat for less money. You can pay cash and put the extra money into the upgrades that YOU want on the boat. I'm very satisfied with how it turned out for me.

[BuckMaxx]

Honestly I couldn't tell you when the model went out but you could call Ranger they'd tell you. The nice thing is technical support. I called them for a schematic on my boat and it was in my inbox instantly. I personally have wanted a Ranger since I was 8 years old. My boat isn't just a boat, it's much more then that. I take really good care of it. However to me it is a tool if I scratch it or get it dirty I don't freak out. I am constantly in it. If it would fit in my bedroom I would sleep in it I think.

Plus I am a single guy in the dating world. You wanna seal the deal on a girl... Take her for a ride in a Ranger. It has blown the pants off more then one of 'em. LOL!!

[RyneB]

Honestly I couldn't tell you when the model went out but you could call Ranger they'd tell you. The nice thing is technical support. I called them for a schematic on my boat and it was in my inbox instantly. I personally have wanted a Ranger since I was 8 years old. My boat isn't just a boat, it's much more then that. I take really good care of it. However to me it is a tool if I scratch it or get it dirty I don't freak out. I am constantly in it. If it would fit in my bedroom I would sleep in it I think.

Plus I am a single guy in the dating world. You wanna seal the deal on a girl... Take her for a ride in a Ranger. It has blown the pants off more then one of 'em. LOL!!

I have actually slept in my Ranger on 2 occasions. Both while it was parked in the garage. The night of my bachelor party I decided to go play with my tackle when I got home. I ended up passing out and waking up around 7 am, I did have the drunken knowledge to use a couple PFDs as pillows. The other time was when I accidentally locked myself out of the house. I had an air mattress in the backseat of my truck, threw the mattress on the Ranger deck and was able to sleep.

[BuckMaxx]

_{Haha! Well I plan on sleeping in mine alot !!this summer. Bu,t while anchored on the lake. I am going to get me one of those cheap screen tents to keep the bugs from tearing me up too bad.}